Summary
Highlights
In July 1896, Jose Rizal, in exile in Dapitan for over four years due to his critical writings against the colonial government, was approached by Pio Valenzuela representing the Katipunan. They sought his counsel regarding the viability of an armed revolution. Rizal, who had personally experienced the injustices of the Spanish rule, advised securing arms and support, and if discovered, to fight rather than flee. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the neutrality of the wealthy if they wouldn't support the cause.
Rizal's exile was set to end as he was to serve as a military physician in Cuba. However, the Katipunan was uncovered, leading to an all-out revolution starting August 23, 1896. Rizal, unaware of these events, left Dapitan and departed Manila Bay on September 3, 1896. During his voyage, he overheard conversations about the revolution and subsequent executions. Upon arriving in Barcelona, he was imprisoned and swiftly deported back to Manila, despite attempts by his friends to intervene.
Rizal arrived in Manila on November 3, 1896, and was immediately taken to Fort Santiago. After a 12-day wait, charges were read to him. On December 6, he faced a Military Tribunal, choosing Luis Taviel de Andrade as his defense counsel. The trial, though following legal formalities, was conducted in haste. Governor General Ramon Blanco was replaced by Camilo Polavieja, who endorsed Rizal's case to the auditor general de Guerra. Rizal denied leading the revolution, but did not condemn it entirely, stating it was premature. On December 28, the death sentence was confirmed and read to him the next day.
In his last 24 hours, Rizal was pressured by priests to retract his works and embrace Catholicism, leading to a debated retraction statement. He refused an escape offer from the Katipunan, accepting his fate. He wrote letters to his family and friends, expressing regret and hope. Notably, he wrote to Ferdinand Blumentritt and his brother Paciano. He also gave his sister Trinidad a small alcohol burner containing his famous untitled poem, 'Mi Ultimo Adios'.
Before his execution, Rizal informally married Josephine Bracken and gave her a copy of 'The Imitation of Christ'. On December 30, 1896, at half past six in the morning, Rizal was marched from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan. He remained resolute, refusing to be shot in the back. As he was shot, he awkwardly twisted his body, falling to the ground on his right side. The video concludes by emphasizing Rizal's values of family, friends, home, and nation, and his enduring faith in the youth to carry on the pursuit of justice and freedom for the Philippines.